Relay for Life preparations

September 05, 2001

under way for Sept. 16 event

By Hillary Dickerson

According to Debbie Harlukowicz, cochair of the Otsego County Relay for Life, there are currently 41 teams signed up with an average of 20 to 25 members per team. "I'm happy with the 41 teams," she said, noting that during the seven years that the relay has taken place in Otsego County the number of teams is usually in the high 30s. "I would love to have 60."

During the 24-hour span, teams set up camp at the fairgrounds and keep at least one person on the track at all times. The opening ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. with cancer survivors taking the first lap. A survivors luncheon is held at 11 a.m., and teams begin walking at that time. Throughout the day, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. entertainment will be provided on the grandstand stage. There will also be children's games, a talent show at 10 p.m. and an afternoon volleyball tournament. Food stands are on the grounds as well.

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Perhaps one of the most moving activities of the relay takes place with the luminary ceremony at 9 p.m. Saturday. For a $10 donation, people are able to purchase a luminary in honor or in memory of someone during the first day of the relay. The luminaries are placed around the track and light the way for participants into the night. "It's really an awesome sight. It's just amazing," noted Harlukowicz of past ceremonies.

The relay committee is busy with pre-relay efforts as well. The Little Caesers Pizza fundraiser took place on Tuesday, Aug. 21. After a full day of making and selling pizzas for $3.99, the relay committee ended $970 ahead of where they started the day. "That was a successful event," Harlukowicz said.

Prior to the relay, the only other relay committee fund-raiser is a raffle which is now underway. Tickets are $5 each and are available from relay team members. The prizes - on display at Hogan's Jewelry in downtown Gaylord - are first place, a clock donated by Mike Irish; second place, a handmade queen-sized quilt made by local people involved with relay; and third place, a stained glass piece.

A number of fund-raising efforts are ongoing. Small bears and a luminary for the ceremony may be purchased for $20 as can a luminary and yard sign.

In the next couple of weeks before the relay kicks off, individual teams may host other fund-raisers to meet their team goal.

For more information on the Otsego County Relay for Life, people may call Harlukowicz at 732-2647 or 732-5994.